6
Fall
Preparing Your Yard For Winter By Jan Cashman
VEGETABLE GARDENS • Wait to cut back asparagus till spring because the old stalks left standing can catch the snow providing winter protection.
PERENNIAL FLOWERS • Cut most perennials down after they die back in the fall.
• Pull up and compost or dispose of all old vegetable foliage. Debris can harbor insects and diseases which could affect next year’s crops.
• Some perennials have evergreen foliage-Heucheras (coral bells), Bergenia, and Hellebores to name a few, and should not be cut back. Cut them back as needed in the spring when you see how much of their foliage has survived the winter.
• On some beautiful day this fall, get outside and protect your plants from winter’s hazards; your plants will thank you for it.
• Leave the attractive foliage and flower heads of ornamental grasses and perennials such as sedum to enjoy all winter. Wait until spring to cut them back.
